Knoxville City Council authorizes housing grant application, hears Public Works budget and approves 657a petition

The Knoxville City Council on Monday authorized a 2026 Central Iowa Housing Trust Fund grant application in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, received a presentation of the Public Works Fiscal Year 2026–2027 recommended budget and approved payment of the city's claims, including several large invoices.

Councilmember Bridget Mohler moved to authorize the grant application; Councilmember Chris Nichols seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The authorization permits city staff to pursue the Central Iowa Housing Trust Fund application in coordination with Habitat for Humanity of Marion County.

The budget presentation, given by City Manager Heather Ussery, laid out the recommended Public Works budget for FY2026–27 and included department leaders answering council questions. No vote was taken on the budget at the meeting; Ussery also told the council that "the bid opening will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow for the final packages on the Knoxville Public Safety Building Project."

Councilmember John Gotta moved, seconded by Dawn Rankin, to approve payment of claims. The motion passed unanimously. The claims list in the packet included an IA Communities' Assurance Pool annual premium of $337,305.00, a Vanderpool Construction VA District Phase 2 invoice for $61,959.72, a Chevrolet 3500 truck listed at $49,250.00, and biosolids hauling by Black Oak Pumping at $14,000.00, among other items.

Economic Development Director Christopher Watkins reported that Origin Homes had purchased an additional five lots in the VA District; three basements have been dug and two homes are presold, and staff are working on two or three additional potential development projects within the city limits.

At 7:02 p.m. the council voted to adjourn into closed session under Section 21.5 (C) of the Iowa Code to discuss litigation; the motion (moved by Mohler, seconded by Losada) passed with recorded ayes. The council reconvened in open session at 7:15 p.m., after which Councilmember Chris Nichols moved, seconded by Dawn Rankin, to "file a petition for 657a" on the property at 1418 N Grant; the motion passed unanimously. The transcript does not specify additional procedural steps for that petition.

The council adjourned at 7:16 p.m.